Sudden Impulse
Everyone knew Helen Parr as a sensible, practical woman. She always seemed to be prepared for anything, which was just as well, because she had a family consisting of a husband and three children to care for. Her eldest children, Violet and Dashiell, were always exasperated by her constant habit of attempting to teach them about "good values" and how she always managed to keep them in line. Most of all, she was the least impulsive member of the Parr family.
Which is why her conversation starter surprised the family over the dinner table one night.
"I'm thinking of getting a job."
There was the sudden clatter of forks and knives against china plates.
"A job?!"
"Who will look after the kids?"
"We'll practically be home alone!"
"No way!"
"What if someone breaks into the house?"
"AaaaAaaahh!!"
"Everyone SHUT UP!"
There was an instant silence.
"Look, I know that there would have to be a few adjustments," said Helen exasperatedly, "but I know that I can do this. I need something to do, and I strongly feel that I should be doing more to support the family."
"But Mom, you're already doing enough!" Violet protested.
"I want to do this," Helen replied stubbornly. "In case you don't remember, your father's been fired from his job and no one's been earning any money. AndI certainly don't think that it would look good if Bob were to apply for another job and his resume said 'has ability to strangle and otherwise maim his employer'!"
Bob's face flushed and Dash jumped on top of his chair. "But where would you go?" Dash demanded.
"Sit down…I would still live in the same house!" Helen answered testily. "I just wouldn't be home during the afternoon or school hours. You'll be fine. You and Violet are old enough to baby-sit Jack-Jack, and Bob will be home in case anybody catches on fire." She gathered up her dish and silverware and headed for the sink. "I've found out that there are job openings at Bob's old workplace because of—you know—and the interviews are tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?!" Violet choked. "You're going to go get interviewed for some random job first thing tomorrow?"
"Hardly random," said Helen defensively as she returned to her seat at the table. "Your father had worked there for fifteen years, remember?"
"But still! It'd be so weird without you around the house with us."
"You. Will. Be. Fine!" Helen insisted. "I trust that none of you would cause the house to explode when I'm gone!"
A hacking sound announced the arrival of two balls of flame landing in the middle of the table and setting the tablecloth ablaze. Dash and Violet jumped from their chairs while Jack-Jack proceeded to cough, producing more fire and his skin turning a scarlet color. Fearing the baby boy in his current state, the two of them hurried to get water and Helen quickly scooped Jack-Jack up and attempted to calm him down. Bob helped his older children put out the flames using a metal pot and a pitcher of water.
Soon Jack-Jack's skin returned to its regular pink hue. Bob gingerly picked up the scalding pot with his fingertips and walked it to the sink. "You're right Helen," he said to his wife as he turned the cold water on. "We'll be able to manage."
A/N: In case you haven't noticed, this is my first 'Incredibles' fic. I saw this last weekend and really loved it, so yeah…This is only chapter one, and it's going to get more interesting in later chapters, but please review and give me your constructive input. :0)